metsfan11
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2005
- Messages
- 1,534
First off, before I discuss how Disney wonderfully accommodated my family and I with a food allergy, I just want to explain to those who dont have Celiac Disease exactly what it is. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease where the body cannot process gluten. When a person with Celiac ingests gluten, it flattens the villi in the small intestine, which can lead to malnutrition, cancer, depression, and many other ailments. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, malt, barley, and rye, which means a person with Celiac must avoid even the smallest contact with such foods as bread, pizza, pasta, and other various items.
When we booked our Walt Disney World vacation, we made sure that when making dining reservations on the 407-WDW-DINE line, we indicated on every reservation that we had an allergy to wheat/gluten. This allowed the servers at the restaurants to accommodate us, but I will get to this in a second. Here are my restaurant reviews for those with Celiac.
We were at Disney from August 27-September 1, 2007.
Whispering Canyon Café in Disneys Wilderness Lodge- We went into the Lodge for dinner on our first night. As our first dining experience with the allergy, we were incredibly flattered that the maitre de told us that the chef would be out to talk to us. As I looked on the menu, I was bombarded with menu items such as corn bread and meats covered in barbeque sauce, items I knew I couldnt have. The chef came out and asked what I wanted, and I told him that I was interested in ordering the skillet. He said no problem, just avoid the corn bread (which we declined altogether for the other members of our party), and he said he just wouldnt put croutons in my salad. As well, he asked how a nice, gluten free brownie with vanilla ice cream sounded. A brownie? I hadnt heard that word spoken in a restaurant in a very long time. The food and dessert were GREAT and we were looking forward to a great vacation with great dining options.
Chefs De France- At this gorgeous restaurant in Epcot, they were a little less knowledgeable than the previous dining experience. The chef told me there werent as many options as Id like, but offered to bring in gluten free pasta, something that sounded delicious. But I ended up deciding on a plain pork chop with French fries, which was quite delicious. The chef told me that at most Walt Disney World restaurants, the French fries are fried in a dedicated fryer, which means they are gluten free. The problem with places such as McDonalds and Burger King is that the fries are put in the same fryer as the fried chicken, leading to big cross contamination issues.
Chef Mickey: I have been to Chef Mickey many times for breakfast and dinner, but for the first time they offered a special lunch, which we made reservations for. The chef came out to tell me that there were limited gluten free items available at the buffet, and the majority of my lunch consisted of lime chicken and seasoned potatoes, which were delicious, but I would have liked some additional choices. I recommend coming here for a typical breakfast buffet, where I have heard they even make special Mickey waffles for those with Celiac.
Ohana- For dinner the next night we went to Ohana, which was a delight. The meal started with special wanton chips and sauce, both of which I couldnt have. The chef came out and informed me that he would bring out some tortilla chips and special sauce to accommodate me, which was lovely. He also brought out separate wings and shrimp, both of which didnt have the regular sauce, but were still very good. The only meat on the skewer that I could have was the steak, but by then I was already full from the wings and shrimp. For dessert, instead of the bread pudding (an obvious no-no), I had a big bowl of pineapple, which fit in nicely to the Hawaiian theme. Everything was great.
Mama Melrose: For this day, we made last minute reservations here for lunch. The chef was very nice and accommodating, and was from the EXACT town that we were from. He informed me that gluten free pasta was readily available, and I decided on the chicken parmesan with penne. I also had an awesome ceaser salad (no croutons) before the main meal. As he brought the food out, he said that if we had made the reservation a drop earlier, he could have prepared some gluten free breading to put on the chicken. The pasta looked so delicious, I dont even think it would have mattered. This was an absolutely wonderful place to eat.
A note about the resorts and Counter Service restaurants throughout W.D.W.- Whether you are eating in your resorts food court, or you are at any Counter Service restaurant, just ask to see the chef and they will accommodate you. At the Caribbean Beach Resort food court, the chef made me a hamburger with a gluten free bun and French fries. At The Launching Pad in Tomorrowland, we looked at the ingredient list to make sure that the Turkey Legs were gluten free (they are).
In conclusion, if you have ANY allergy, whether it is Celiac Disease, lactose intolerance, an allergy to eggs or anything else, the key is to let them know in advance by marking it on the reservation. The staff of the Walt Disney World resort was extremely accommodating, and we were incredibly pleased with everything. My suggestion is to also get in contact with the restaurant ahead of time to know what you can specifically have. Just request this number when making the reservation. And remember, have a great meal!!!
If anyone has any specific questions, please don't hesitate to PM me!
When we booked our Walt Disney World vacation, we made sure that when making dining reservations on the 407-WDW-DINE line, we indicated on every reservation that we had an allergy to wheat/gluten. This allowed the servers at the restaurants to accommodate us, but I will get to this in a second. Here are my restaurant reviews for those with Celiac.
We were at Disney from August 27-September 1, 2007.
Whispering Canyon Café in Disneys Wilderness Lodge- We went into the Lodge for dinner on our first night. As our first dining experience with the allergy, we were incredibly flattered that the maitre de told us that the chef would be out to talk to us. As I looked on the menu, I was bombarded with menu items such as corn bread and meats covered in barbeque sauce, items I knew I couldnt have. The chef came out and asked what I wanted, and I told him that I was interested in ordering the skillet. He said no problem, just avoid the corn bread (which we declined altogether for the other members of our party), and he said he just wouldnt put croutons in my salad. As well, he asked how a nice, gluten free brownie with vanilla ice cream sounded. A brownie? I hadnt heard that word spoken in a restaurant in a very long time. The food and dessert were GREAT and we were looking forward to a great vacation with great dining options.
Chefs De France- At this gorgeous restaurant in Epcot, they were a little less knowledgeable than the previous dining experience. The chef told me there werent as many options as Id like, but offered to bring in gluten free pasta, something that sounded delicious. But I ended up deciding on a plain pork chop with French fries, which was quite delicious. The chef told me that at most Walt Disney World restaurants, the French fries are fried in a dedicated fryer, which means they are gluten free. The problem with places such as McDonalds and Burger King is that the fries are put in the same fryer as the fried chicken, leading to big cross contamination issues.
Chef Mickey: I have been to Chef Mickey many times for breakfast and dinner, but for the first time they offered a special lunch, which we made reservations for. The chef came out to tell me that there were limited gluten free items available at the buffet, and the majority of my lunch consisted of lime chicken and seasoned potatoes, which were delicious, but I would have liked some additional choices. I recommend coming here for a typical breakfast buffet, where I have heard they even make special Mickey waffles for those with Celiac.
Ohana- For dinner the next night we went to Ohana, which was a delight. The meal started with special wanton chips and sauce, both of which I couldnt have. The chef came out and informed me that he would bring out some tortilla chips and special sauce to accommodate me, which was lovely. He also brought out separate wings and shrimp, both of which didnt have the regular sauce, but were still very good. The only meat on the skewer that I could have was the steak, but by then I was already full from the wings and shrimp. For dessert, instead of the bread pudding (an obvious no-no), I had a big bowl of pineapple, which fit in nicely to the Hawaiian theme. Everything was great.
Mama Melrose: For this day, we made last minute reservations here for lunch. The chef was very nice and accommodating, and was from the EXACT town that we were from. He informed me that gluten free pasta was readily available, and I decided on the chicken parmesan with penne. I also had an awesome ceaser salad (no croutons) before the main meal. As he brought the food out, he said that if we had made the reservation a drop earlier, he could have prepared some gluten free breading to put on the chicken. The pasta looked so delicious, I dont even think it would have mattered. This was an absolutely wonderful place to eat.
A note about the resorts and Counter Service restaurants throughout W.D.W.- Whether you are eating in your resorts food court, or you are at any Counter Service restaurant, just ask to see the chef and they will accommodate you. At the Caribbean Beach Resort food court, the chef made me a hamburger with a gluten free bun and French fries. At The Launching Pad in Tomorrowland, we looked at the ingredient list to make sure that the Turkey Legs were gluten free (they are).
In conclusion, if you have ANY allergy, whether it is Celiac Disease, lactose intolerance, an allergy to eggs or anything else, the key is to let them know in advance by marking it on the reservation. The staff of the Walt Disney World resort was extremely accommodating, and we were incredibly pleased with everything. My suggestion is to also get in contact with the restaurant ahead of time to know what you can specifically have. Just request this number when making the reservation. And remember, have a great meal!!!
If anyone has any specific questions, please don't hesitate to PM me!
